Opinion | Conservation Amendment Bill Threatens Conservation Efforts

Written by Kate Liebl

The Conservation Amendment Bill is set to streamline the management process of over 60% of public conservation lands. This bill amends the current Conservation Act 1987 to require the Department of Conservation (DOC) to consider and prioritise profitability over the environment, with the goal of supporting the country’s tourism industry. These changes will likely make it easier for former conservation lands to be developed and privatised (Forest & Bird, 2026).

The bill was introduced on June 5, 2026, by National Party Minister Tama Potaka, and is currently moving through the select committee on the Environment (NZ Parliament). Its provisions include adding and changing definitions within the original Conservation Act, introducing a new land management process, and amending the core purpose of the DOC (Government Bill 309-1, 2026).

Loss of Conservation Lands

The possible loss of conservation lands under this amendment is a worry that plagues many Kiwis. Within the new land management process, conservation land could be more easily “disposed of” or “exchanged”. This amendment removes a layer of the approval process for changes, allowing changes to be made faster but without as much scrutiny. Not only is the process of declassifying and selling conservation land made much more efficient, but many of the requirements for conservation land that cannot be sold are to be stripped away. In the new wording of the bill, conservation land is only truly protected if it is “considered important for threatened species or ecosystems or it is one of the best examples of that habitat type in its ecological district” (Forest & Bird, 2026). 

Potaka responded to these concerns by stating, “The Department of Conservation is not embarking on a programme of selling conservation land, nor does the Bill direct or require any land to be sold” (RNZ, 2026). However, even if no plans are currently being pursued in the sale of conservation lands, this bill still opens the door for their consideration in the future. 

Courtesy of forestandbird.org.nz, this image shows the areas that could be affected by the bill.

Tourism and Profitability

National hopes these amendments will financially benefit the tourism industry and “ensure DOC has the tools necessary to manage land effectively and achieve better conservation outcomes” (RNZ, 2026). However, with the possible sale of 60% of conservation lands on the line, there will be far less land to protect. Additionally, the bill does include provisions that could support the DOC without the risk of land loss and environmental damage. For example, the amendment proposes implementing charges for tourists in specific conservation areas (Government Bill 309-1, 2026). Similar provisions have the opportunity to fund DOC trail and ecosystem maintenance efforts, without disposal of public conservation lands.

Nature and conservation-related tourism makes about $3.4 billion annually in New Zealand (Forest & Bird, 2026). The top four experiences among all of its tourists are related to the environment, with over 74% of tourists going for a walk, hike, trek, or tramp across its landscapes (New Zealand Tourism, 2026). As a tourist myself, I chose to study on the other side of the globe from my home because of New Zealand’s astounding natural landscapes. I had always admired how the country put so much effort into environmental conservation and cared so deeply about its lands and biodiversity. Without this, I would not have come to NZ in the first place. The same is true for many other tourists, as landscapes and scenery are consistently cited as the leading factor for international tourism (Statista Research Department, 2025). While it is very improbable that all environmental tourism will be lost, there is likely to be some decline, especially with repeat visitors, as they will have less to see, with the door open amidst the declassification and development of former conservation lands.

Conclusion

The Conservation Amendment Bill will undoubtedly make the processes of decision-making for conservation lands much more efficient, allowing them to be more easily disposed of or sold. While the bill has the potential to increase profitability for the DOC, it also has the potential to severely and irreversibly harm NZ’s unique landscapes and ecosystems. With over 60% of public conservation lands on the line, these amendments lack protections to preserve the places that make NZ unique and drive international tourism.

References

Forest & Bird. (2026). Conservation Land Amendment Bill Explainer. https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/conservation-amendment-bill-explainers-and-guidance

Government Bill 309-1. (2026). Conservation Amendment Bill. New Zealand Legislature. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2026/309/en/latest/#LMS1601551

Hancock, F. (2026). Maps reveal where conservation land could be sold off after government reforms. Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/598542/maps-reveal-where-conservation-land-could-be-sold-off-after-government-reforms

New Zealand Tourism. (2026). Tourism Data: The International Visitor Survey. New Zealand Tourism. https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/insights/tourism-data/

Statista Research Department. (2025). Leading factors in deciding to visit New Zealand among international tourists as of 1st quarter 2025: International tourists' leading reasons for visiting New Zealand Q1 2025. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1489833/new-zealand-leading-reasons-for-visiting-among-international-tourists/?srsltid=AU7gw4U-Plsu7lw3clJUvD5OOrdNyAKX6QPePDCH9M4qkvmScr45ULbg